WO2023139324A1

WO2023139324A1 - Improved fall-arrest harness

Info

Publication number: WO2023139324A1
Application number: PCT/FR2023/050024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jérôme BENOIT
Original assignee: Delta Plus Group
Priority date: 2022-01-18
Filing date: 2023-01-09
Publication date: 2023-07-27
Also published as: FR3131852A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fall-arrest harness (1) comprising at least two straps (20, 30) which are capable of being arranged around a torso of a user (100), and a back anchoring device (10) which is capable of being arranged on the back of the user and of being hooked to a restraining element which is configured to restrain a user in the event of a fall, the back anchoring device (10) being movably attached to the straps (20, 30) and being metal-free.

Description

IMPROVED FALL ARREST HARNESS

Description

Technical area

[0001] This presentation relates to the field of personal protective equipment, more particularly fall protection equipment. The presentation relates more specifically to a fall arrest harness having a dorsal anchoring device.

Prior technique

[0002] In the state of the art, fall arrest harnesses with a dorsal anchoring device are known. An example of such a harness 1' is shown schematically in perspective in Figure 1. As shown in this figure, the harness 1′ comprises two main straps 20′, 30′ intended to be arranged around the bust of a user 100 so as to envelop the ventral part and the dorsal part of the latter. On the back part, a 10' sliding buckle is attached to the two straps 20', 30', and allows these straps to slide, in particular to adjust the tightness of the 1' harness.

[0003] In addition, a metal ring 1 T is also arranged around the straps 20', 30', at the level of the sliding buckle 10'. This 1 T ring is a metal piece having the general shape of a D, commonly called "D-ring". This metal ring 1 1 'constitutes a dorsal anchor point, on which a fall arrest system, or restraint system, can be fixed. More specifically, a carabiner of such a restraint system, also attached to a supporting structure, can be attached to the metal ring 1 T, so as to retain a user in the event of a fall.

[0004] The use of such a metal ring complies with certain standards, in particular the European standard EN361, which is well known in the field of fall protection equipment. A description of this standard is available from the European Committee for Standardization (known by the acronym "CEN" or "European Committee for Standardization"). This standard imposes in particular the restraint of the user in the event of a fall, and a static resistance of a minimum of 15kN.

[0005] Nevertheless, the use of such a metal ring has drawbacks. In certain circumstances, it can indeed come into contact with the back of the user, and cause injury. It also increases the total weight of the harness, consequently increasing the hardship for the user who wears it. Furthermore, the presence of this metal part, in addition to the other elements, increases the complexity of recycling.

[0006]There is therefore a real need for a fall arrest harness which at least partially limits these drawbacks, while meeting the requirements of the aforementioned standards.

Disclosure of Invention

This presentation relates to a fall arrest harness comprising at least two straps capable of being arranged around a user's chest, and a dorsal anchoring device capable of being arranged on a dorsal side of the user and of being hooked to a retaining element configured to retain a user in the event of a fall, the dorsal anchoring device being attached in a movable manner to the straps and being devoid of metal.

[0008] By “movably attached”, it is understood that the dorsal anchoring device is integral with and coupled to the straps, and that it cannot be separated therefrom during normal use of the harness, that is to say when a user is wearing the harness, but that a relative movement between the straps and the dorsal anchoring device can nevertheless take place. In particular, the straps can slide relative to the anchoring device.

[0009] The dorsal anchoring device, making it possible to retain a user in the event of a fall by means of a retaining element such as a carabiner attached to the latter, is devoid of metal. In other words, it is possible to attach a carabiner connected to the user directly to the dorsal anchoring device, without any other metal intermediary such as a metal ring according to the prior art. It is thus possible to ensure the safety of a user in the event of a fall, while limiting the risks of back injuries that can usually occur with a metal ring of the prior art. Fixing the device anchoring to the straps, movable relative thereto, also allows the straps to slide to adjust the tightness of the harness. Furthermore, the absence of metal makes it possible on the one hand to increase the lightness of the harness, and thus to reduce the difficulty for the user, and on the other hand to simplify the recycling process.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the dorsal anchoring device is made of plastic.

The plastic material can be polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or polypropylene (PP), for example. The use of such a material makes it possible, unlike metal, to limit the risk of injury by contact with the user's back, and also makes it easier to recycle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the dorsal anchoring device comprises sliding loops configured to allow sliding of the straps relative to the dorsal anchoring device, and an anchoring portion capable of being hooked to the retaining element, the sliding loops and the anchoring portion together forming one and the same piece.

[0013] The dorsal anchoring device may comprise two sliding buckles (one for each strap), or, preferably, four sliding buckles (two for each strap). The sliding of the straps, via the sliding buckles, makes it possible in particular to adjust the tightness of the harness around the user's bust, or to adjust the position of the dorsal anchoring device, in the user's back.

[0014] It is thus understood that the anchoring portion, allowing a carabiner to be attached, for example, of the retaining element, and the sliding loops, allowing the straps to slide, each fulfill a main function. However, these functions are fulfilled by one and the same part, comprising the anchoring portion and the sliding loops formed in one piece. This facilitates the implementation of the harness, its use and its recycling. [0015] In certain embodiments, the anchoring portion comprises a curvature forming a concavity adapted to receive a fastening part of the retaining element, such as a carabiner.

[0016] The dorsal anchoring device can for example extend in a main plane comprising the sliding loops. The anchoring portion is then curved with respect to this main plane. It is therefore understood that, when the harness is worn by a user, the concavity thus formed is oriented towards the back of the user, forming a loop allowing a carabiner to be attached thereto. Unlike a metal loop usually used to attach such a carabiner, the curvature allows the anchoring portion to be moved away from the user's back, thus protecting the latter from any injury.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the curvature is a first curvature and the concavity is a first concavity directed towards a first direction, the anchoring portion further comprising a second curvature forming a second concavity directed towards a second direction opposite to the first direction and in which a portion of the straps is arranged.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the anchoring portion has a hyperbolic paraboloid shape.

In other words, the anchoring portion forms a bridge, corresponding to the first curvature, the side edges of this bridge being curved upwards, so as to form the second curvature. In other words again, the portion of curvature comprises a first curvature extending in a first plane of main curvature, and a second curvature extending in a secant second main plane of curvature, preferably perpendicular to the first main plane of curvature. It will therefore be understood that the anchoring portion has a hyperbolic paraboloid shape, more commonly called the shape of a horse saddle.

Given this shape, the first concavity is directed towards a first direction, that is to say towards the user's back when the latter is wearing the harness. Conversely, the second concavity is directed in a direction opposite to the back of the user. The anchoring portion thus has two curvatures, and consequently two concavities, each fulfilling a function main. The first concavity makes it possible to attach a carabiner to it as mentioned previously, and the second concavity makes it possible to house a portion of the straps there.

[0021] Consequently, the portion of the straps located in this second concavity also participates, with the anchoring portion, in anchoring a carabiner. In other words, when a carabiner is attached to the dorsal anchor, it surrounds not only the anchor portion, but also the portion of the straps located in the second concavity. This configuration makes it possible to improve the overall rigidity of the dorsal anchorage device, while avoiding the use of metal.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the second concavity forms a groove in which the portion of the straps is arranged, the groove comprising, along a longitudinal direction, a narrowing.

It is understood that the longitudinal direction refers in particular to the longitudinal direction of the groove along which the portion of the straps is arranged. It is also understood that this narrowing is a lateral narrowing, locally reducing the passage section of said groove in which the portion of the straps is housed, and thus forming a convergent then divergent section. Given this configuration, the anchoring portion is more compact, which improves its mechanical strength.

[0024] In some embodiments, the straps are flat straps, and are held folded laterally together in the groove.

[0025] It is understood that the sliding loops are configured to hold the straps in their flat shape. Conversely, the presence of the narrowing of the throat implies that the portion of the straps is folded into said throat. The two straps can for example be superimposed on one another, the assembly thus being folded back on itself in the throat. The anchoring portion comprising the narrowing, and the straps thus folded without the groove, form a compact structure, further improving the mechanical strength of the assembly.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the dorsal anchoring device is arranged in the shape of a cross. [0027] In certain embodiments, the dorsal anchoring device comprises a first branch carrying one of the two straps and comprising a first and a second sliding loop and the anchoring portion arranged between said first and second sliding buckles, and a second branch carrying the other of the two straps and comprising a third and a fourth sliding buckle and the anchoring portion arranged between said third and fourth sliding loops.

It is understood that according to this cross arrangement, the anchoring portion is at the center of the two branches and thus forms the center of the cross. Thus, along its longitudinal direction, the first strap first passes through the first sliding loop, then through the anchoring portion while being housed and folded into the groove formed by the second concavity, then through the second sliding loop. Similarly, the second strap passes first through the third sliding buckle, then through the anchoring portion while being housed and folded in the groove, then through the fourth sliding buckle. Such a cross arrangement makes it possible to maintain an angular positioning of the straps between them, and also to improve the effectiveness of the maintenance of the anchoring device.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the anchoring portion comprises at least one tightening link configured to hold and tighten the two straps together in the second concavity.

[0030] Preferably, the anchoring portion comprises two clamping ties, which may be a plastic filament extending on either side of the second concavity, in particular of the groove comprising the narrowing. These tightening ties make it possible to keep the portion of the straps folded in the throat, to improve the cohesion of the dorsal anchoring device, and therefore to improve the effectiveness of the dorsal anchoring device by keeping the assembly in compact form.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the detailed description given below of various embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples. This description refers to the pages of appended figures, on which: [0032] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fall arrest harness according to the prior art, worn by a user,

[0033] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a fall arrest harness according to this presentation, worn by a user,

[0034] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of a dorsal anchoring device of the fall arrest harness of Figure 2,

[0035] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the dorsal anchor device of Figure 3, viewed from below,

[0036] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the dorsal anchor of Figure 3,

[0037] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a top plan view of the dorsal anchor of Figure 3,

[0038] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a side plan view of the dorsal anchor device of Figure 3,

[0039] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a longitudinal plan view of the dorsal anchor device of Figure 3.

Description of embodiments

An embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 8.

Figure 2 shows a fall arrest harness 1 according to the present presentation, worn by a user 100. The fall arrest harness 1 comprises in particular at least two flat straps 20, 30 configured to be arranged around the user's chest 100, and a dorsal anchoring device 10, arranged on the back of the user 100. The dorsal anchoring device 10 is attached in a movable manner to the straps 20, 30. In d In other words, the straps 20, 30 can slide relative to the dorsal anchoring device 10, via sliding buckles described below.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a detailed view, in perspective, of the dorsal anchoring device 10 alone, in a space formed by perpendicular X, Y, Z axes. By convention, the X axis represents in the present presentation a longitudinal direction of the dorsal anchoring device 10, the Y axis a direction lateral, and the Z axis a vertical direction. Therefore, the terms "above" and "below" are considered relative to the vertical direction of the Z axis.

It is understood that the configuration shown in Figure 3 corresponds to a configuration in which the dorsal anchoring device 10 is isolated and freed from any constraint. Conversely, in use, attached to the straps 20, 30 and placed behind the back of the user 100, the dorsal anchoring device 10, and in particular the sliding buckles, can undergo elastic deformations.

[0044] The dorsal anchoring device 10 comprises two main parts. A first main part comprises the sliding loops 12, 13, 14, 15, allowing the sliding of the straps 20, 30 with respect to the dorsal anchoring device 10 for adjusting the tightness of the harness 1, and extending essentially in a plane formed by the axes X, Y.

[0045] A second main part comprises the anchoring portion 11, arranged so as to allow both the passage of the straps 20, 30, and the attachment of a retaining element such as a carabiner (not shown) to retain the user 100 in the event of a fall. This second main part, that is to say the anchoring portion 11, projects vertically, in the direction of the Z axis, relative to the plane formed by the X, Y axes in which the first main part extends.

These two main parts of the dorsal anchoring device 10 are formed in one piece, in one and the same plastic part, comprising for example high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or polypropylene (PP), and being devoid of metal.

Furthermore, the dorsal anchoring device 10 is arranged in the shape of a cross, making it possible to maintain the straps 20, 30 in a given angular position with respect to each other. A first branch of the cross comprises a first sliding loop 12, a second sliding loop 14, and the anchoring portion 11 arranged between the first and the second sliding loop 12, 14. This first branch carries a first strap 20, which can slide relative to this first branch. [0048] A second branch of the cross comprises a third sliding loop 13, a fourth sliding loop 15, and the anchoring portion 11 disposed between the third and the fourth sliding loop

13, 15. This second branch carries a second strap 30, which can slide relative to this second branch.

Each sliding buckle comprises, in this example, two straight slots allowing the passage of a flat strap 20, 30. More specifically, the first sliding buckle 12 comprises a first slot 121 and a second slot 122, forming between them a tongue 123. Similarly, the second sliding buckle 14 comprises a first slot 141 and a second slot 142, forming between them a tongue 143, the third sliding buckle sliding loop 13 comprises a first slot 131 and a second slot 132, forming between them a tongue 133, and the fourth sliding loop 15 comprises a first slot 151 and a second slot 152, forming between them a tongue 153.

[0050] Each of these straight slots has a length substantially equal to the width of the flat straps 20, 30, so as to allow the passage of these without them folding back on themselves, while limiting a lateral movement thereof.

[0051] In addition, in this example, a first arcuate slot 16 is formed at an interface between the anchoring portion 11, and the first and third sliding loops 12, 13. This first arcuate slot 16 allows the passage of both the first strap 20 and the second strap 30. Similarly, a second arcuate slot 17 is formed at an interface between the anchoring portion 11, and the second and fourth sliding loops

14, 15. This second arcuate slot 17 allows the passage of both the first strap 20 and the second strap 30.

Furthermore, the anchoring portion 11, forming the center of the cross described above, comprises a first inclined portion 11a, a second inclined portion 11b, and a central portion 11c disposed between the first and the second inclined portion 11a, 11b. The inclined portions make it possible to raise the anchoring portion 11 with respect to the plane formed by the axes X, Y, and to form, with the central portion 11c, a first curvature forming a first concavity 111. The first curvature extends in a first main plane of curvature P1. The first concavity 111 is directed in a first direction, corresponding to a downward direction in FIG. 3, or to a direction towards the back of the user 100 when the fall arrest harness 1 is worn by a user.

Thus, the inclined portions 11a, 11b and the central portion 11c are arranged to form a bridge whose lower part, forming the first concavity 111, allows the anchoring of a carabiner.

Furthermore, the central portion 11 c has flanges 11 c1, 11 c2 bent upwards (according to the reference of Figure 3 for example), so as to create a second curvature forming a second concavity 112. The second curvature extends in a second main plane of curvature P2, perpendicular to the first main plane of curvature P1. The second concavity 112 is directed in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and corresponding to an upward direction in FIG. 3, or to a direction towards the opposite of the user's back 100 when the fall arrest harness 1 is worn by a user.

Given this arrangement, and the fact that the main planes of curvature P1 and P2 are perpendicular in them, the anchoring portion 11 has a hyperbolic paraboloid shape, more commonly called the shape of a horse saddle.

Furthermore, the second concavity 112 forms a groove in which a portion of the first and of the second strap 20, 30 can be accommodated. In addition, said groove 112 comprises, along the longitudinal direction of the groove, a narrowing R, more visible in Figures 5 and 6 in particular. It will be noted that the longitudinal direction of the groove corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the portion of the straps 20, 30 arranged therein, in the direction of the axis X.

It is understood that the narrowing R is such that the width of the passage formed by the second concavity 112 is locally smaller than the width of the straps 20, 30, or the length of the straight slots described above. Consequently, the straps 20, 30 are housed in the second concavity 112 being necessarily folded back on themselves, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Thus, when the first strap 20 (or the second strap 30) is pulled in one direction, so as to cause it to slide along the first branch of the cross to adjust the tightness of the harness 1, the first strap 20 will be placed flat in the first sliding buckle 12, then will fold back on itself and on the second strap 30 in the second concavity. cavity 1 12, then will unfold flat again in the second sliding loop 14.

It will also be noted that the dorsal anchoring device 10, in particular the central part 11c of the anchoring portion 11, may comprise at least one, in this example two clamping links 113, 114 extending on either side of the second concavity 112, between the edges 11c1 and 11c2 of the central portion 11c. These drawstrings 113, 114 are configured to hold and tighten together, and folded back on themselves, the portion of the straps 20, 30 disposed in the second concavity 112.

These clamping ties 113, 114 can be plastic filaments formed from the anchoring portion 11 itself, in the same material as the latter, resulting from the removal of material from a portion thereof. Thus, a first drawstring 113 is obtained by making a first slot 113a in the anchoring portion 11, and a second drawstring 114 is obtained by making a second slot 114a in the anchoring portion 11.

Thus, the first strap 20 can be attached to the dorsal anchoring device 10 in the following manner, considering a path of the first strap 20 along a longitudinal direction thereof, from the first sliding buckle 12 to the second sliding buckle 14. The first strap 20 first passes under an edge 12a of the first sliding buckle 12, coming out through the first slot 121, passes over the tongue head 123, then goes back under the first sliding loop 12 via the second slot 122, to finally come out through the first arcuate slot 16.

[0061] The first strap 20 then passes through the anchoring portion 11, first extending over the first inclined portion 11a, then in the groove formed by the second concavity 112, folding back on itself due to the narrowing R, then extends over the second inclined portion 11b by unfolding flat again.

The first strap 20 then passes through the second arcuate slot 17, exits through the second slot 142, passes over the tongue 143, then under the edge 14a of the second sliding loop 14 passing through the first slot 141 . The first strap 20 can thus slide along the first branch of the cross, that is to say along the first sliding loop 12, the anchoring portion 11 and the second sliding loop 14, following the path described above. It will be noted that this path is described arbitrarily in a given direction, and could also have been described in the opposite direction, the first strap 20 being able to slide in both directions along its longitudinal direction.

[0063] The second strap 30 is attached to the dorsal anchoring device 10 in an analogous manner, between the third sliding buckle 13 and the fourth sliding buckle 15. In other words, the path described above with reference to the first strap 20 also applies to the second strap 30, with respect to the third and the fourth sliding buckle 13, 15.

[0064] The dorsal anchoring device 10 thus formed thus allows the restraint of a user in the event of the latter falling, in particular by meeting the European standard EN361, and in particular by having a static resistance of a minimum of 15kN.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is obvious that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the different illustrated/mentioned embodiments can be combined in additional embodiments. Accordingly, the description and the drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

[Claim 1] Fall arrest harness (1) comprising at least two straps (20, 30) adapted to be arranged around a user's chest (100), and a dorsal anchoring device (10) adapted to be arranged on a dorsal side of the user and to be hooked to a carabiner configured to retain a user in the event of a fall, the dorsal anchoring device (10) being attached in a movable manner to the straps (20, 30) and being devoid of metal, the dorsal anchoring device (10) comprising sliding loops (12, 13, 14, 15) configured to allow sliding of the straps (20, 30) relative to the dorsal anchoring device (10), and an anchoring portion (11) adapted to be hooked to the carabiner, the sliding loops and the anchoring portion together forming a single piece, the anchoring portion (11) forming a bridge joining the sliding loops , a lower part of the bridge forming a first concavity (111) facing the back of the user (100) when the fall arrest harness (1) is worn by the user and allowing the anchoring of the carabiner, the side edges of the bridge being curved upwards so as to form a second concavity (112) facing away from the back of the user (100) and able to receive a portion of the straps (20, 30).

[Claim 2] A fall arrest harness (1) according to claim 1, wherein the dorsal anchorage device is made of plastic.

[Claim 3] A fall arrest harness (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second concavity (112) forms a groove in which the portion of the straps (20, 30) is disposed, the groove comprising, along a longitudinal direction (X) corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the portion of the straps (20, 30) disposed therein, a narrowing (R). [Claim 4] Fall arrest harness (1) according to claim 3, in which the straps (20, 30) are flat straps superposed one on the other in the throat while being held folded back on themselves in the throat. [Claim 5] Fall arrest harness (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the dorsal anchorage device (10) is arranged in the shape of a cross comprising a first leg carrying one of the two straps (20) and comprising a first and a second sliding loops (12, 14) and the anchoring portion (11) placed between the said first and second sliding loops, and a second leg carrying the other of the two straps (30) and comprising a third and a fourth sliding loops (13, 15) and the anchoring portion (11) disposed between said third and fourth sliding loops. [Claim 6] Fall arrest harness (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the anchoring portion (11) comprises at least one tightening link (113, 114) configured to hold and tighten the two straps (20, 30) together in the second concavity (112).